Of the hundred or so recipes in chef Arnold Myint’s debut cookbook, Family Thai, at least a dozen start with the word “Mom.”
Mom’s Curry Noodle Soup. Mom’s Khao Thom. Mom’s Eggplant Curry. Mom’s Tofu Cabbage. Mom’s Interactive Lettuce Wraps.
In this coffee table-worthy culinary memoir, “Mom” is Patti Myint, the author’s mother, who moved from Thailand to Nashville and in 1975 founded International Market with husband Win. Over five decades in their beloved restaurant and market, Patti and Win Myint introduced generations of Nashvillians to a world of flavors and ingredients from far beyond the Belmont University neighborhood. In that half-century of serving Patti’s soups and curries to loyal lunch lines, the Myint family created one of Nashville’s most beloved traditions.
Meanwhile, Patti was also preparing her precocious son, Arnold for a career that would build on the foundations of International Market, to continue celebrating Thai cuisine while helping define Nashville’s dining landscape.
Along with sister Anna, Arnold grew up in the aisles of International Market, rollerskating between shelves loaded with rice, teas and sauces from halfway around the world. After an early career in competitive ice skating, Arnold rolled through culinary school and New York, then moved home to join the family business. While Patti ran the stalwart steam table on one side of the boulevard, Arnold launched a modern, globally inspired dinner and drinks menu in a sleek, contemporary setting across the street.
Then came Suzy Wong’s House of Yum. Named both for a Hollywood icon and for Arnold’s alter ego and drag personality, the venue became the home to the iconic Drag’n Brunch.
Charismatic and camera-ready, Arnold stole the show on Top Chef and Food Network Star, was named 2024 James Beard semifinalist for best Southeast chef, and continues to appear in national media such as Tastemade, BuzzFeed, Epicurious, Eater and Saveur.
Upon Patti’s death in 2018, Arnold and Anna moved International Market across the street, where loyal guests continue to share stories of Patti. “Magic and magnet,” Arnold calls his mom.
Recipes in Family Thai modernize Patti’s original formulas from International Market, and they hold faithful to her efforts to celebrate Thai cooking and culture. While Arnold may have translated Patti’s original recipes into chef talk, his writing shares his mom’s original belief that food has power to build something around the table.
“Food builds family,” Arnold says. “Whatever family means to you.”
Follow Arnold on instagram @arnoldmyintbna and @imnashville
